With shorter lengths intended for women, the LX82 is an encouraging friend for an intermediate woman looking to up her game. “It encourages commitment to the fall line,” one tester said, “but it forgave minor balance infractions.” It’s a mellower ski than Kästle’s sidewall-construction carvers, but it still requires attention. Trust the edge, tip the ski, and feel yourself improve.

On groomers the Tornado screams through medium- and large-radius turns with power and precision, gripping securely but disengaging when necessary. In crud, bumps, and trees it’s energetic and maneuverable. It’s perfect for folks looking for a playful ski that knows how to work hard when the time comes—patrollers, instructors, and all-mountain generalists. Overall, it’s a great blend of on- and off-piste strengths. [$1,190 with binding]

Another winner in K2’s stellar A.M.P. line, the Rictor stands out among all-mountain skis by virtue of its playfulness, manageable power, and confidence-inspiring edge grip. Like most all-mountain skis, the Rictor eschews tight turns for looser, longer ones and handles groomers, crud, and mild doses of powder. A slightly rockered tip dives effortlessly into carves and steers nimbly through bumps and trees. Experts and intermediates, mellow and aggro, East and West—all will dig the Rictor. [$1,125 with binding]

An easygoing frontside ski, the Fire Arrow uses traditional camber and an hourglass shape to carve medium- and large-radius turns, though it will bend into short zingers with a bit of effort. Playfulness and ease define it, thanks in part to the kicked-up tail, which lends it a surfy maneuverability. If you’re looking for a fun, versatile, groomer-oriented ski with some park and crud capability, it’s a good choice. [$1,399 with binding]

“Engage your ankle, tip it way over, and you’ll feel like Apolo Ohno on the short track,” said one Eastern tester. With its magnetic edge grip, round turn shape, and ability to move easily from slalom to GS turns, the Strato is a carver’s dream—but it doesn’t like being run flat. Well-balanced intermediates and experts will feel every centimeter of edge and derive, as another tester put it, “tremendous pleasure” on groomers. Ski it with a Larry Craig stance or the big, square tails tend to bang together. [$1,100 with binding]

A narrowish mid-fat carver, the 78 handles crud and the occasional off-trail foray well. But it prefers carving medium- to large-radius turns on groomed snow. It’s an easy ski—intermediates will enjoy not having to pour in power to get a comfortable, cruisey ride. It tends to initiate turns slowly and locks into arcs when pressure’s applied to the belly and tail. Aggressive skiers wanted more pop, but cruisers liked its undemanding feel. [$1,000 with binding]

Perfect for the on-piste advancing intermediate or expert looking for an exciting ride, the Mag 7.6 playfully carves a variety of turn shapes. “Buy this if you’re an East Coaster who crushes morning groomers,” said a New York–based tester with a background in retail and racing. Though it thrives on the feet of weight-forward athletic skiers, it won’t punish momentary technical lapses. A quick, easy entry and explosive exit define the turn.
[$899 with binding]

“So versatile,” said a 200-pound male tester. “A joy to ski.” K2 bills the Charger as a multipurpose, high-performance hard-snow ski, and all testers—from intermediates to experts—agreed. It has the sturdy feel and secure grip you’d expect from a wood-core ski and it slices clean, round, medium- to large-radius arcs. Slight tip rocker enhances maneuverability and eases turn initiation. Easy to disengage and skid when necessary. [$1,250 with binding]